Best Cooling Mattress For Hot Sleepers In 2019

Last Updated On August 8th, 2019

If you find yourself waking up in a pool of sweat often on hot nights, it’s easy to turn the air conditioning lower every night or open a window. However, not only is this wasteful, but it also may not address the fundamental problem. There may be other factors at play too such as medical conditions, but one of the most common reasons for sleeping hot or sweating at night is the type of mattress you’re using.

If too hot or sweating while asleep is an issue you’d like to address, you may need to grab yourself what’s better known as a cooling mattress. In this overview, I will go over what makes some mattresses cooler and others hotter, buying considerations, and then reviews of the top 9 best cooling mattresses for sale at the moment in 2019.

Why Choosing The Right Mattress Is Important

The more often your warm temperatures wake you up, the more disturbed your sleep is. Not only does a lack of proper sleep cause tiredness the next morning, but it can also have devastating effects on overall health. According to researchers at Harvard University, lack of sleep can cause decreased memory function, unhealthy weight gain, slower metabolism and reduce immune functionality. Furthermore, being tired can cause hazardous situations throughout the day. For example, driving while exhausted can cause people to make mistakes that otherwise wouldn’t occur.

If you’re like I was, you wake up in the middle of the night feeling way too warm, kick some blankets off, turn the pillow over, and fall back asleep. A few hours later, you’re waking up and repeating the cycle all over again. If that sounds familiar, you are part of a small and uncomfortable club. You and I, and all the other hot sleepers make up a small group of people who say they are too hot at night to get adequate sleep. It’s time to leave this club once and for all by finding the best mattress for hot sleepers.

Mattresses Hold Heat

Clearly, good sleep is vital to your overall health. You may be asking yourself what your mattress has to do with it. The answer is “everything!” Even if the room temperature is perfect and your blankets aren’t too hot, the wrong type of mattress can make you sleep hot at night.

Some mattresses hold heat more than others. This is fine for people who are cold sleepers. But, if you’re reading this, you’re probably a hot sleeper like myself. You need to be sure that the mattress you choose has adequate airflow so that it doesn’t hold heat. Of course, this is more complicated than it first seems.

Several factors change how hot a mattress will be in the middle of the night. Let’s take a deep dive into those elements.

Which Mattress Types Are The Hottest And Coolest?

Perhaps the reason there are so many mattress types available is because there is no one perfect way to support all bodies during sleep. For example, some types tend to hold heat more than others. This is a difficult thing to measure, but some studies have compared the types of mattresses people own correlate to the people who report sleeping hot.

Hottest

Viscoelastic Memory Foam – A majority of complaints from people who sleep hot are from owners of traditional viscoelastic memory foam mattresses. This shouldn’t be confused with foam in general, as there are different types of foam, and various kinds of memory foam too. The hottest mattresses we are talking about here are those made of traditional visco elastic memory foam with no infusion of any other material to help it cool down. Gel memory foam types, on the other hand, are usually the best cooling mattresses on the market today.

Latex – A common complaint from owners of all-latex mattresses is that of heat retention whilst asleep. The density which makes these so long lasting is also why they tend to hold heat. However, if you are naturally sweaty in bed the hypoallergenic properties of latex can be an advantage for you, which would prevent to spread of mold and bacteria within the mattress core.

Air Mattresses – These are great for temporary or even permanent usage. However, they are known to sleep hot, with not much effective heat dissipation. Even the best air mattresses have little or no mechanisms in place to help dissipate heat, and therefore retention occurs thus making for a hot sleep at night.

Coolest

Specialty Foam – Foam mattresses that are not memory foam like the Helix, Tuft and Needle, or the T&N Mint, in particular, have a lower hot sleeper rating. Because these mattresses have a lower density of the foam, air is allowed to move more freely. More air circulation is the key to a cooler night’s sleep, which is why in recent times this type of innovation has taken off extremely quickly.

Innerspring – The good ole innerspring mattresses are next on the list. However, not all innerspring mattresses are the same. Bonnell springs tend to sleep the coolest while pocket coils seem to retain more heat. However, as a whole, spring mattresses seem to be good at heat dissipation.

Gel Memory Foam – If you have your heart set on memory foam, but get warm when you sleep, you may want to consider a gel infused version. Probably the best cooling mattress types of them all, gel infused memory foam is a very effective material which is popular among people trying to reduce body temperature when sleeping. Some studies have shown that the gel can reduce heat retention by as much as 30 percent. It’s like the cool side of the pillow all the time.

Hybrid – Hybrid mattresses are a bit of a mixed bag. Anything which combines many different materials such as latex, foam, spring, or any other patented material into one mattress is known as a hybrid. Generally, it’s hard to group these into hot or cool, because of the many different types and combinations. However, in general, these are the newest and most popular forms, which often tend to have innovative mechanisms in place to help dissipate body heat and promote airflow. A good example of a hybrid cooling mattress would be the Ghostbed (read review).

Features That Affect Temperature

While the most important factor in mattress temperature is the type, other things can change the temperature as well. Here are a few features to look for:

Mattress Firmness

The firmness of your bed can make you feel too warm for sleep. As a general rule, the softer the mattress, the warmer it will be. This is true across all types of mattresses. The reason why a plush mattress will trap extra heat is because they contour to the body more. This contouring allows less air to flow around the body, which keeps warm air trapped. That’s when you wake up hot and frustrated.

Moisture-Wicking Fabric

Have you ever noticed the “moisture wicking” label on exercise clothing? This technology keeps you cool while you work out by taking moisture away from your body. That same technology can be found in some top layers of mattresses, especially in memory foam beds.

Other Covers

In addition to moisture-wicking mattress covers, other cover options can keep you cool at night. For example, some top layers are specifically designed to allow for more air flow than your typical mattress. As you know by now, airflow is the key to comfortable sleep.

Foam Infusions

Some mattress companies infuse their foam with materials such as copper or graphite, which some companies claim keeps you cool.

For example, because copper is the second-most conductive substance known to man, it can carry heat away from the body. Layla Sleep uses this methodology for reducing body heat. Another example is Bear, who infuse with graphite. Both are extremely effective and appear in our mini reviews below.

Likewise, plant-infused memory foam is a popular and effective method too. Mattresses like the Zinus Green Tea are literally infused with green tea extract within the memory foam. This keeps the body cool at night by allowing for a more breathable core.

Top 9 Cooling Mattress Reviews

Those are the main things to think about before finding the best mattress for hot sleepers. With these things in mind, I will review a few popular cooling mattresses.

Layla Mattress

Layla has been one of the big players in the latest trend of online mattress companies that cut out the middleman and deliver directly to your door. The distinguishing feature in this mattress is the copper infusion. Layla claims that the copper keeps you cool no matter which position you sleep. How does a little metal do all of that? Think about heating and cooling systems. Many manufacturers choose copper for the wiring and tubes in these systems because it doesn’t hold heat.

This company takes that principle and applies it to your mattress. Don’t worry; you won’t find copper pipes in your bed. Layla uses fine pieces of copper that don’t affect the bounce and plush of the mattress. In addition to the copper infusion, this cooling mattress has a ThermoGel cover that further chills as you sleep. This gel is made of a non-toxic material that is food-grade, so you can feel good about spending so much time on it.

As you probably know, body temperature can fluctuate as you sleep. That’s why the cooling effect of this ThermoGel doesn’t start working until your temperature rises. So you can fall asleep at the right temperature and stay that way all night long.

Clearly, the Layla mattress has lots of technological advancements. However, I haven’t even told you the most exciting part. This is a dual-firmnessflippable mattress. Flip it one way for the soft, plush side and flip it with the other side up for optimal firmness. Whichever setting you prefer, you can lay the ThermoGel cover on top and feel great.
Furthermore, it comes with a lifetime warranty and a 120-day risk-free trial with free returns. The foam is CertiPUR-US certified. This innovative mattress has all of its bases covered and is an excellent choice for nearly any warm sleeper.

Perfect Cloud UltraPlush Gel-Max 10-inch

Once again, this another mattress which combines memory foam and cooling gel to make a cooler version of the popular design style. However, some differences set this bed apart. For starters, the top layer features a 1.5-inch layer of air-infused foam. If there’s a theme to this overview, it’s that more air is more comfortable. To add to the chill factor, the second layer of this match is a 2-inch thick layer of cooling gel. This gel also conforms to your body to provide plenty of support. The third layer is 6.5 inches of supportive foam. Together, these three layers strike a balance between too soft and too firm. This mattress also comes with a removable and washable stretch knit cover that’s perfect for keeping the bed clean.

The Perfect Cloud UltraPlush is also CertiPUR-US certified. This is another excellent cooling mattress with some extra features.

Dreamfoam Bedding Arctic Dreams 12-inch

Dreamfoam Bedding Arctic Dreams has gel mattresses in 8, 10 and 12-inch depths. For this review, I’m going to take a look at the 12-inch model. This medium-soft mattress uses an innovative foam called Energex™ and a cooling gel layer. Together, these elements create a mattress that is cooler than traditional memory foam while also being compatible with back, stomach and side sleepers. The foam is more open than some other types, which means for air can flow through. The 12-inch mattress features a full 3 inches of cooling gel on top of the foam, which makes it the coolest of the models. All the mattresses also feature a soft quilted layer on top.

The Arctic Dreams is CertiPUR-US certified which means it is made without ozone depleters and is regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you want a low-cost, soft mattress with plenty of gel infusion, this could be an excellent option for you.

Bear Mattress

Bear is a trusted name in the industry which has been going strong for some time now. They produce a variety of high-quality mattresses including hybrid ones that incorporate both springs and foam for additional support. Bear guarantees that each of its mattresses is woven with Celliant FDA recommended Infrared yarn technology. This is a unique technology that harnesses the energy inside your body and uses it to assist in recovery time frame and overall comfort when you sleep. What this means is, less time staying in that sinking position that traditional memory foam may seem to provide, therefore causing less heat retention.

Additionally, the graphite infused mattresses also have excellent temperature control technology. This helps in controlling and regulating the dissipation of heat and betters the quality of sleep. The mattresses use CertiPUR-US ® certified foams which incorporate a water-based bonding technique ensuring that there is no unintentional odor.

Helix Sleep

Helix is another very popular brand in the industry. They offer a lot of different designs and technologies that guarantee a great night’s sleep, every time. The mattresses incorporate a new age technology that ensures an adjustable design which contours to your body shape. It is the perfect recipe for better quality and a cooler sleep.

That’s not all. Helix specializes in custom-made designs as well. One of their unique creations is the Dual Comfort Mattress. This one has individually personalized sides, splitting the mattress into two catering to individual preferences. Helix offers a range of services for their mattresses including a 100-night sleep trial, plus 6-10 days delivery and 10 years of warranty for each of their products.

Brooklyn Bedding Signature

Brooklyn Bedding offers some of the best designs that you could come across when it comes to producing a high-quality product. They provide some of the best-engineered products in the business, which is a result of continual improvement based on listening to their customers’ needs.

One of the standout features is the TitanFlex ™ Comfort technology. This mattress uses what is known as hyper-elastic foam, which is capable of adjusting its shape to contour that of your body when you sleep on it or when you move about, almost instantaneously. And as if that wasn’t enough, it also uses a TitaniumGel ™ technology. This ensures that the Brooklyn Bedding mattresses will deliver utmost satisfaction when keeping you cool throughout the night while providing unrivaled comfort.

Not forgetting, there is the 120-night trial offer and a 10-year warranty. They also offer free standard shipping and returns pickup for all their products.

Classic Brands Cool Gel Ultimate 14-inch

Classic Brands combines the supportive comfort of memory foam with the power of cooling gel. It is comprised of four distinct layers, each with its purpose.

The top layer is two inches of gel foam which means it allows for that air flow we hot sleepers need. The next layer is two inches of standard memory foam. This piece contours around the body but also supports it. This is the firmest layer of foam. The third part of this mattress is a super-soft Comfort Foam. Finally, the bottom layer is eight inches of base foam. This layer has the highest density of foam and provides extra support and depth. This base foam relieves pressure on your body so that you can get a perfect night’s sleep.

One of the benefits of memory foam is that it naturally fights off allergens, bacteria, mold, and dust mites. The Classic Brands Cool Gel Ultimate does all of that as well as meets CertiPUR-US standards. It comes with a knit fabric cover that looks and feels great. The cover makes the mattress easy to clean. Classic Brands offers a 25-year warranty on its product, so you know this is a great investment.

This mattress is a medium-soft feel to it. This can make it warmer than it would be if it were firm. However, if you need a plush bed to sleep well, this can be a great option since it includes a gel top that counterbalances the warming effects of the memory foam and plush feeling. Overall, this is an excellent cooling mattress for the price.

GhostBed

The experts at GhostBed have spent 15 years perfecting their hybrid mattress. In that time, they have developed a bed that adapts to your needs and keeps you at the right temperature all night. The difference is in the combination of latex, gel, and memory foam.

All told, there are 11 inches in this mattress. Here’s the makeup of it:

1.5 inches of continuous aerated latex

2 inches of cooling gel foam

7.5 inches of extra dense memory foam

The latex is naturally responsive, which means it gives you extra support where you need it most.

Meanwhile, the gel layer keeps warm sleepers cool. The bottom layer is comprised of extra dense memory foam because this material is both durable and comfortable. The cover is part of its appeal too. It wicks moisture away from your body as you sleep, which encourages airflow and a cool night’s sleep. If you want a particularly firm bed with some innovative technology, this could be a great option for you.

Puffy

One of the best cooling mattress picks for 2019, the Puffy mattress is hard to fault. The model on review here is the 10″ (non Luxe), which is one of the better products we have seen recently for tackling hot sleepers.

The two layers of gel do a good job at keeping the foam cool. This first gel layer provides climate adaptive regulation, and is resistant to humidity and temperature fluctuations. The gel infused foam above this is known as the Cooling Cloud, which disperses heat and improves airflow. The removable and washable cover is stain resistant and looks modern, great for hygiene purposes too.

The mattress is made in the USA and ships free via Fedex, comes with a 101 night in-home trial, and has a lifetime warranty.

Conclusion

All of these mattresses have pros and cons. However, I can confidently say that the Layla mattress is my favorite in the bunch. There may not be a lot of science out there about copper in mattresses, but I found this bed to be incredibly comfortable.

It’s firm enough to let air flow. The gel layer only cools when you get warm, which keeps a great balance all night long. Furthermore, I recommend this one because both people who like firm and soft mattresses have a side to pick, simply by flipping it over. For the money, it’s the best cooling mattress for hot sleepers.

If you’re already using a cooling mattress to no avail, why not try a bed fan? They are very effective and you can often find unobtrusive designs. Alternatively, cooling toppers and pads are also great options and cheaper than you might think.

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